The documented story
The reviewed evidence supports Tulsa origin and 1972 Ardent activity, but not a complete active-span or dissolution chronology.
People and leadership
Leadership succession is not reconstructed.
Community and organization
The Machine is the documented Tulsa performance setting; later recording activity is associated with Ardent Records in Memphis.
Reading the evidence
Early-name spelling varies by source; do not collapse What For and What Four without a source-level note.
Questions for further research
Add period Tulsa performance notices and rights-cleared recording or image media if available.
People named in related records
Names are retained as recorded in their source contexts.
- Max Wisley — bass; vocals (1968-1973)
- Bill Phillips — keyboards; guitar; vocals (1968-1973)
- Tommy Richard — lead guitar; vocals (1968-1973)
- Tim Benton — drums; percussion; guitar; vocals (1968-1973)
Dated evidence in this record
- 1968 – 1973
Oklahoma Magazine identifies the Cargoe period lineup and instruments.
- 1972-04-22
Cargoe’s 1972 Ardent activity is documented by period Record World coverage of Feel Alright and Tokyo Love.
- c. 1967 – 1970
Cargoe is documented as a Tulsa teen-club house band at The Machine and as an opener for the Animals at the Tulsa Civic Center in 1968 before relocating to Memphis.